tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-101940642016-12-09T08:34:43.279-05:00 justaskjudykenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.comBlogger1470125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-44046641151209580782016-12-06T19:32:00.002-05:002016-12-06T19:32:49.187-05:00TOO Busy!! Plus Christmas Decor at The NC Governor's Mansion 2016<div style="text-align: justify;">I worked last week, for the first time since last Christmas. I was working with the crew decorating the NC Governor's Mansion (Mel Day, Dogwood Tree Florals) , as I have for the last 12-15 years. We didn't know who the governor would be until yesterday; but now we have a new one!&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I am fortunate that my boss understands that I need to rest often. He had me make lots of bows, which I can do while sitting. Then when I felt rested, I got up and made fresh greenery arrangements. It is a perfect way for me to be able to work, and I can't tell you how much I enjoy it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCqhUb2LeLg/WEdW6CDBC-I/AAAAAAABFow/zKxp3Ny3N-AIqElJzPjriGmJifWChZ5yACLcB/s1600/Mansion%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCqhUb2LeLg/WEdW6CDBC-I/AAAAAAABFow/zKxp3Ny3N-AIqElJzPjriGmJifWChZ5yACLcB/s320/Mansion%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRHpBLTYvv0/WEdW_exLAYI/AAAAAAABFo0/X-Wbpg1aRXkQKEoxQaMUiIObjS64hWZeACLcB/s1600/Mansion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRHpBLTYvv0/WEdW_exLAYI/AAAAAAABFo0/X-Wbpg1aRXkQKEoxQaMUiIObjS64hWZeACLcB/s320/Mansion%2B2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21i6ETcoVxU/WEdXjMPoiVI/AAAAAAABFo4/s_AexHU4Q2Ic9rDtTUHLTWvHzw1vhuBCwCLcB/s1600/Mansion%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21i6ETcoVxU/WEdXjMPoiVI/AAAAAAABFo4/s_AexHU4Q2Ic9rDtTUHLTWvHzw1vhuBCwCLcB/s320/Mansion%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yc7zmaG2hW4/WEdXoa_cKII/AAAAAAABFo8/Vx3SNlYKVpou19hmF8bQv7KtOlZHaH0swCLcB/s1600/Mansion%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yc7zmaG2hW4/WEdXoa_cKII/AAAAAAABFo8/Vx3SNlYKVpou19hmF8bQv7KtOlZHaH0swCLcB/s320/Mansion%2B4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lt8ykxjL-aQ/WEdXwQCe_OI/AAAAAAABFpA/WsXMw6uGSt8sKlH648w58mZ-iHMiqdoUACLcB/s1600/Mansion%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lt8ykxjL-aQ/WEdXwQCe_OI/AAAAAAABFpA/WsXMw6uGSt8sKlH648w58mZ-iHMiqdoUACLcB/s320/Mansion%2B5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OesAkbAr5m8/WEdX01rv52I/AAAAAAABFpE/_H6APO4DDDAs8FDagBb3KFd9I5LyB8mtwCLcB/s1600/Mansion%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OesAkbAr5m8/WEdX01rv52I/AAAAAAABFpE/_H6APO4DDDAs8FDagBb3KFd9I5LyB8mtwCLcB/s320/Mansion%2B6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When we finished the Mansion, I volunteered to help decorate the club house here in our neighborhood. I went up there, but all I needed to do was "fluff" wreaths. After about 25 of those - and 2 hours - I left. &nbsp;I was the only volunteer, and I was not about to do it all by myself.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday we got haircuts and pedicures. Today, I got my new hearing aids checked. &nbsp;The right one has a problem, so they ordered a replacement (it is under warranty) and I should have it by the end of the week. It rained and was chilly all day, and I was out in it too much. I also went to Sam's and Wal-Mart, then picked up lunch and went to the clubhouse to play Scrabble. After that, I went to my daughter's home to let her dog out, and then picked up Mexican food for dinner. I left home at 9:40 this morning and got back at 4:45 pm. Whew!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tomorrow night, I go to a party at the Governor's Mansion for the people who worked on decorating it, plus the docents for the mansion. I will take more photos then and post them later. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope you are busy and getting ready for the Holiday Season!!</div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-78885691296147453472016-11-17T11:45:00.000-05:002016-11-17T11:45:45.308-05:00The "Old Neighborhood" has plenty to offer too....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaauwC55pmc/WC3cPHxVevI/AAAAAAABFm8/3M4slnNmCyszH-jQluW2xVxzePwCfKWiQCLcB/s1600/Nancy%2527s%2Bmantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QaauwC55pmc/WC3cPHxVevI/AAAAAAABFm8/3M4slnNmCyszH-jQluW2xVxzePwCfKWiQCLcB/s320/Nancy%2527s%2Bmantel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This is my friend Nancy's home, decorated for Thankgiving. She hosted our book club on Tuesday night. We discussed "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys. We all liked the book - but we're tired of reading about WW2 and Nazis!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CTkVjDoj4k/WC3cUuhoplI/AAAAAAABFnA/Ciaw9bkjfqkfXq7ZySw2KBcdWF2gOxGTgCLcB/s1600/Nancy%2527s%2Btable%2Bcenterpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--CTkVjDoj4k/WC3cUuhoplI/AAAAAAABFnA/Ciaw9bkjfqkfXq7ZySw2KBcdWF2gOxGTgCLcB/s320/Nancy%2527s%2Btable%2Bcenterpiece.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The table was set so nicely, with a bountiful centerpiece and "crackers" for each plate. I think we were supposed to keep them, but we all thought they were just decor. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGh9N2oMhgc/WC3caabileI/AAAAAAABFnE/T7I3URKflu45FZZ_H3AB6NZBs-l3V-YmgCLcB/s1600/Nancy%2527s%2Bturkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGh9N2oMhgc/WC3caabileI/AAAAAAABFnE/T7I3URKflu45FZZ_H3AB6NZBs-l3V-YmgCLcB/s320/Nancy%2527s%2Bturkey.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This darling turkey graced one end of the mantel. I hope his foot doesn't get singed &nbsp;when the fire goes on!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ImLpPrHc-c/WC3cfE9uxMI/AAAAAAABFnI/_Dt-MqQWboco0TTdA0TwHoXN29kHyb25wCLcB/s1600/Nancy%2527s%2Bsideboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ImLpPrHc-c/WC3cfE9uxMI/AAAAAAABFnI/_Dt-MqQWboco0TTdA0TwHoXN29kHyb25wCLcB/s320/Nancy%2527s%2Bsideboard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The sideboard had its own decoration and candles too. &nbsp;Too bad we didn't get any pics of the foods, but we had great appetizers, salad, scalloped potatoes, green beans, roasted pork loin and apples, and cupcakes and brownies for dessert. &nbsp;It was all yummy, as usual. We have chosen our next book -<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+little+paris+bookshop&amp;rlz=1CAACAO_enUS715US716&amp;oq=The+Little+Paris&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.7103j0j8&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8"> "The Little Paris Bookshop"</a>, by Nina George. kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-1222985592591654282016-11-14T11:48:00.000-05:002016-11-24T22:08:51.495-05:00Our New Neighborhood...has something for everyone to do or get involved in and I pity the people who don't take advantage of the offerings.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On Sunday afternoon, The Veteran's group put on a fund-raiser for the local USO, and about 85 people attended. They showed a compilation video of comedy films from the 50's through the 70's; and two emcees announced the shows. They also had two contests and a raffle. The contests were to name shows or people in comedy TV and each table submitted answers to 15+ questions. It was fun trying to remember who did what. The only hiccup came when they couldn't get the video working at first, but then "an expert" in the audience helped and all was well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We were told to bring food and drinks for the table, and so we did! &nbsp;We had invited 2 friends of ours who are big supporters of the USO. She brought an authentic antipasto plate; salami and prosciutto with cheeses, olives and pickles, as well as small bags of chips, pretzels and popcorn. I took deviled eggs (25) and small sandwiches of either chicken salad or pimiento cheese, with a partial jar of homemade pickles (which are dynamite) and no, I didn't make them! We also had wine, beer, soda, and Pellegrino sparkling water.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a good thing that we brought all that food, since our 4 tablemates had failed to see the memo about bringing anything. We were happy to share; they were grateful and pleasant company and a good time was had by all.&nbsp;</div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-23091915887670153192016-11-09T22:45:00.001-05:002016-11-26T13:06:27.221-05:00We Drank the Kool-aid<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">I worry about four years of a presidency with a man who thinks climate change/global warming was made up by the Chinese, that Putin is a good leader, and Hitler might be a good role model. </blockquote>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<span style="text-align: justify;">I worry about the next four years with a man who thinks bankruptcy is a preferred method for getting&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;out of debt.</span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">I worry about four years with a man who often refuses to pay his working men and small businesses because he doesn't like the result of their work. Or that he believes he knows more than the Generals do, and doesn't need advisors.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">I worry about the next four years with a man who has been married three times, cheated on his wives and thinks he would date his daughter if he were not her dad. A man who speaks of "grabbing pussies" and "dropping to your knees".&nbsp;</blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I worry about &nbsp;four years with men who will repeal our health insurance and have not told us with what &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; they will replace it. With men who will repeal Roe v. Wade, and have little thought to the women who have &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;benefitted from it, or mothers who will die if they don't have an abortion (especially those with other &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; children to raise.)</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I worry about having a First Lady whose nude photos are available all over the internet. And a man who &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;thinks it is okay to walk into the dressing rooms of Miss America contestants and ogle their bodies. &nbsp;I &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; worry about illegal aliens who work hard and send money home to their families, but must be sent home &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; because they didn't come into this country the right way. I worry about their children, who were born here, &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; but may have to go to the parents "former home" because their parents are being deported. I worry about &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Syrian children who are orphaned by war and have nowhere to go.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I don't like a man who speaks of any woman, saying "fat pig" , "bitch" and that to be a "10", you can't be &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; flat-chested. I don't like a man like that and I cannot imagine the next four years with him as president of &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; the &nbsp;best &nbsp; country in the world.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I know that many of you are tired of hearing me say it.....it will take time to process, so I ask you to bear &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;with me as I try to figure out how I can live with what has happened; it won't be easy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Note: blogger is being weird tonight - please excuse the odd spacing. I can't figure out how to repair it.&nbsp;</div><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><br />kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-38958579569705677342016-11-03T15:13:00.002-05:002016-11-03T15:13:43.115-05:00A Birthday Celebration - and Other Stuff<div style="text-align: justify;">On the 29th &nbsp;(the day before my birthday), my three children and several granddaughters gathered for a spectacular meal, cooked by my son-in-law. He made beef Wellington, stuffed mushrooms and chocolate chess pie - all of which were excellent! We enjoyed the meal and the company of each other. One granddaughter had just returned from a trip to Northern Ireland and Scotland, to visit her handsome boyfriend, whom she met last summer while attending classes at Edinburgh University. Now she is back home at UNC - Chapel Hill. The other one is in school at UNC - Greensboro, so they are both close enough to come often. We are fortunate to have four of them so close by! One grandson went to the NSCU football game and his brother was returning from a conference in Spartanburg, SC, where he presented a paper. The baby is in the flag patrol at her school, and they had a performance that day.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On October 31st, I bought new hearing aids. It is so pleasant to be able to hear people and not have to ask them to repeat everything!! I go back in 2 weeks for any adjustments that might be necessary, but so far, they are working well. I am having to get used to hearing more noise than I've heard in years. I went to a restaurant today for lunch and I nearly removed the hearing aids - that place was so noisy!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I got my teeth cleaned this morning - and it was long overdue. I had an appointment in March, which I had to cancel because I broke my collar bone. I am just now getting around to it. I love the feel of clean teeth!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This Saturday, my daughter and I will go to an appraisal fair (with Antiques Roadshow), held here in Cary. Each person can take 3 items, so we will have six things to appraise. I hope I get lucky and find out something is worth more than I have thought. I doubt I have anything worth thousands, but you never know.....LOL. Unfortunately, you have to carry anything you take - they do not provide carts or dollies. I'm going to pack my things in a rolling suitcase. &nbsp;If I find that I have anything of value, you'll be the first to know.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-74342231215606761852016-10-28T12:45:00.001-05:002016-10-28T12:45:24.510-05:00Eating Out Again!<br /><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The ladies (twenty of us) from my new neighborhood went to <a href="http://locations.maggianos.com/north-carolina/durham/27713/8030-renaissance-pkwy-/main-menu/">Maggiano's </a>in Durham last week. I ordered eggplant Parmesan and one to take home. They have at least six or seven entrees where you can order one and take one home - and they don't have to be the same foods. Interesting concept! &nbsp;The food is good, but the marinara sauce is a bit too tart for my taste. Jim likes it, though, so he had that for dinner that night.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Last night we went to dinner at<a href="http://www.luganocary.com/"> Lugano's</a> in Cary with our across the street neighbors. It is a very nice ristorante, with good ambiance, and (as of last night) - poor service. &nbsp;We ordered; then waited - and waited - and waited. I noticed that people in a booth behind us were seated well after we were and they were served much sooner. A question as to why elicited a response that the "meatballs" took longer. Apparently they ran out and had to make more. I wish they had told us earlier in the process. &nbsp;By the time our meals came, we were all so hungry that we literally attacked the food. I had shrimp oreganato, a Caesar salad and for dessert - the&nbsp;</div><br /><h4 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Julius Sans One&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.1; margin: 30px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">BOMBOLONI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKiNTyDdU8g/WBOLzeiIcEI/AAAAAAABFmc/K5H0jd4BldgQ77z8IpifuJv1JeLbTYhxwCLcB/s1600/bomboloni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKiNTyDdU8g/WBOLzeiIcEI/AAAAAAABFmc/K5H0jd4BldgQ77z8IpifuJv1JeLbTYhxwCLcB/s320/bomboloni.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><span class="right" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: right; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></h4><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Italian donuts tossed in cinnamon-sugar and drizzled with our homemade caramel rum sauce. Served warm with vanilla ice cream. This stuff is Heaven on a plate. Be sure to save room for it!!</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When the bills came, they were all messed up. They had my entree with the neighbors and vice versa. It wasn't a huge problem, but it took time to redo them. By that time, we had been sitting in one spot for almost 4 hours. People of a certain age can't do that and expect to be able to move quickly afterward.....LOL &nbsp;We were assured that our neighbors have been to that restaurant many times and the service has always been good before. I guess it just wasn't our night.<br /><br />I just looked at my post list and discovered one I wrote 2 months ago about eating out. I lamented the fact that my clothes were all getting too small; now I am making it worse!<br /><br />Sunday is my birthday, and tomorrow the family is gathering for a dinner. It will be great to see everyone again, but I am sure to eat too much again. Somebody slap me!!</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-28262150118743860232016-10-19T15:07:00.000-05:002016-10-19T15:07:38.878-05:00Can we please agree to limit the use of.......a few words that are being overused lately? <br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes I think if <i>&nbsp;hear the </i>words&nbsp;<i><u>awesome</u> and <u>amazing</u> </i>again, I'll scream. That is the reason I sometimes mute the sound if I am watching HGTV. When the clients are shown their newly re-done homes, they shout "Oh, my God (or goodness), this is "awesome" and or "amazing". It doesn't seem to matter which program it is; they all do it. Geez, people, there are other adjectives available to a person who reads and occasionally checks the dictionary or thesaurus.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It happens on award shows too; especially on the red carpet? &nbsp;"Who are you wearing?" &nbsp;"Oh, you look amazing!" &nbsp;"Those shoes are amazing!" &nbsp;Your dress is "awesome!" &nbsp;On and on, ad nauseum.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">How about fabulous, wonderful, gorgeous, terrific, beautiful, exquisite.......and the like? &nbsp;Or <i>awe-inspiring</i>, which preceded the new, shorter word "awesome."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't mind me - I was in a nasty mood when I thought of this post. &nbsp;But my spirits were lifted two days ago. I got a message in email saying that I had a package delivery coming on Monday. I couldn't recall buying anything, so I thought I had ordered something and forgotten it. "I can't be <i>that</i>&nbsp;bad, can I?" I said to myself, not wanting Jim to overhear. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My granddaughter came over after lunch and when the package arrived, she got it off the porch for me. From the size and shape of the box, I thought it might be a dress. I proceeded to open it and got the shock of my life - it was a laptop computer!! &nbsp;My granddaughter looked very knowing, so I asked her if she was aware of this delivery. She admitted she was - her mom had ord. ered it for me and she was here to help me get it set up. &nbsp;YAY! &nbsp;Considering all the trouble I had been having with my old laptop, I am supremely happy with this new one. &nbsp;It is an early birthday present! &nbsp;Thanks to both my daughters for all the blessings they give me, just by virtue of being in the world. My son is a blessing too, of course. We are going to his home for a meal this Sunday, and looking forward to it! I am a lucky woman!</div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-33669585733398885592016-10-13T19:25:00.000-05:002016-10-14T21:59:46.809-05:00Too much to write about!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;">Edited!! &nbsp;</span><br />I just posted on Facebook that I could not access Blogger from my husband's computer. I was wrong. It used to be my computer, and I guess the links are still good - thank Heavens!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On Monday night, we went out to dinner with some good old friends who live in Beaufort, SC now, but had to evacuate in advance of the storm. They came to Raleigh to stay with family, which was our good luck - as we had not seem them in over a year.&nbsp; Time spent with old friends is so rewarding!! Too bad it cannot be more often, Sam and Sally!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDDsfPx1yWw/WAGLlbxxdBI/AAAAAAABFks/dx8z18Iyv6YmlN4j7dXIW4e0VdN0e0MLACLcB/s1600/Sam%2Band%2Bjim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDDsfPx1yWw/WAGLlbxxdBI/AAAAAAABFks/dx8z18Iyv6YmlN4j7dXIW4e0VdN0e0MLACLcB/s320/Sam%2Band%2Bjim.jpg" width="265" /></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On Tuesday, a group of women from my old neighborhood went to volunteer our labors for a group called "Wake Smiles".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qx21k_zo2QA/WAGJ0vZhDiI/AAAAAAABFkk/y1OSUhOlACQ0Huw-2XQ4e4m9TLGmW-o3wCLcB/s1600/WOW%2Bat%2BWake%2BSmiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qx21k_zo2QA/WAGJ0vZhDiI/AAAAAAABFkk/y1OSUhOlACQ0Huw-2XQ4e4m9TLGmW-o3wCLcB/s320/WOW%2Bat%2BWake%2BSmiles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>They provide inexpensive dental care for indigent people. We stuffed goody bags with info sheets and things such as gauze, and dental goodies. Unfortunately, we had signed up for 2 hours of work and they only had enough for 1 hour 10 minutes. Maybe it was that we were so efficient - yes - that's it!!&nbsp; After we finished, the head of Wake Smiles gave us a tour of their dental clinic, most of which was furnished by donations -<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj786SX9uho/WAGJ-c-kKHI/AAAAAAABFko/MmfdzZK6swssUHHWN73yqhD9oBBqfA_JQCLcB/s1600/WOW%2Bin%2Bthe%2BDental%2BBay%2Bat%2BWake%2BSmiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj786SX9uho/WAGJ-c-kKHI/AAAAAAABFko/MmfdzZK6swssUHHWN73yqhD9oBBqfA_JQCLcB/s320/WOW%2Bin%2Bthe%2BDental%2BBay%2Bat%2BWake%2BSmiles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>as is the dental work. Dentists from around the area give them time every month - which I think is wonderful.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After that, we went out to lunch at 18 Seaboard, a restaurant downtown near the old train station.&nbsp; I had cornmeal-breaded catfish, which was served on a triangle of cornbread, over sauteed spinach and corn, swimming in some kind of sauce, a good one!! &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Politics is about to be the death of me. I am very opinionated and I cannot resist responding to the posts on Facebook, although I'd be better off if I left them alone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKlFojthpV8/WAGbmBRHeGI/AAAAAAABFlE/YxQwfyY-ybMMN8UHgi5vzmrKFbpCuEOygCLcB/s1600/cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKlFojthpV8/WAGbmBRHeGI/AAAAAAABFlE/YxQwfyY-ybMMN8UHgi5vzmrKFbpCuEOygCLcB/s320/cartoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last week, I posted something, and a guy friend of ours posted a negative response to my post. About six of my women friends took him to task for posting something on MY face book page that was in direct opposition to my views.&nbsp; One response,&nbsp; in particular, made me very happy.&nbsp; But by the time I searched for it again, to read to Jim, it had been deleted because the guy deleted his comment.&nbsp; OH, well.&nbsp; That should teach me a lesson, right?&nbsp; Luckily we only have a few weeks to go and it will all be over.&nbsp; NO, no it won't!!&nbsp; Just like four years ago, the people who wanted the other party to win (but lost) will make life a living hell for all of us, once again, with all their dire predictions of terrible things to come. I wish there could be a moratorium on Facebook, that once the election is over, there are to be no more political posts.&nbsp; Fat chance!&nbsp; I guess that starts with me, though, huh?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Moppet continues to bedevil both of us, although she IS a bit better than before.&nbsp; She is just a slow study, maybe. At least I hope so, because if things don't change soon, her days are numbered here. I hope I can find her a good home, if it comes to that.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jim went to a new dentist today for cleaning - here in this area - and he was in the chair two hours. Of course, that meant I was in the waiting room for 2 hours.&nbsp; At least I had a cup of tea while I was waiting.&nbsp; Neither of us does well sitting on one position for hours on end.&nbsp; We get stiff as a board.&nbsp; I finally asked about him at the front desk, and they assured me he'd be out soon.<br /><br />An alien potato? &nbsp;I found this in my pantry, along with 3 others that were more normal looking. This one is intent on making babies and sprouts!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GJmi3K8RZHc/WAGMt32i-6I/AAAAAAABFk0/_9ExljCl5-8PhJx2O2n5g99p9i9zZKS9QCLcB/s1600/alien%2Bpotato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GJmi3K8RZHc/WAGMt32i-6I/AAAAAAABFk0/_9ExljCl5-8PhJx2O2n5g99p9i9zZKS9QCLcB/s400/alien%2Bpotato.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One - and only one good thing about bad storms is that all your friends call or text or email to see how you fared during it. I am happy to report that we had no problem at all. The trouble here in NC is all to the east and south of us.&nbsp; Those poor people down east may never recover, and it is always the ones who can least afford it who get hit the hardest.&nbsp; I pray we don't have any more bad storms this fall.&nbsp; I don't want a lot of snow this winter either, but if the almanac is to be believed, we will.&nbsp; Not looking forward to that!&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to everyone who defended me on Facebook; to those who inquired about our status during the storm and to those who continue to amuse me or show me love!!&nbsp; I hope I can return the favors. </div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-30101386517329649652016-09-14T19:56:00.002-05:002016-09-14T19:56:41.945-05:00Long Time No See.....<div style="text-align: justify;">We have been too busy to have time to write here. Out to dinner with friends, club events in the neighborhood, family stuff, doctor visits, haircuts and pedicures.....all keep us busy.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Monday, I went to a new audiologist to have my hearing tested - to see how far it has degraded lately. It has not changed drastically, but there is a lessening &nbsp;(consistent with aging). I also had ear wax buildup, and that has to be removed before the reports can be completed and they can determine what type of hearing aid I need.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My cardiologist requested I have a <b>CBC, so I did that Tuesday. &nbsp;The internist added a lipid panel and some other tests, that I had not had since my heart surgery. I am SO PLEASED to be able to say that were all within the normal ranges!! Even my triglycerides, which were high two years ago - are now normal. &nbsp;I have no idea why, since I have not changed any eating habits....LOL. &nbsp;The nurse cleaned out my right ear and got a chunk of wax the size of a pencil eraser. But more remains. It's always something. &nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>I also need to find out how much my insurance will pay toward to hearing aids. &nbsp;The audiologist's office was supposed to call BCBS and let me know what they said, but I have yet to hear from them. I hope that's not a bad sign.&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>We had some dear old friends over for dinner on Sunday. It is always nice to see them and never lasts long enough. &nbsp;I baked two apple pies and sent one home with them. I made beef&nbsp;</b><b>burgundy (again), fresh green beans and hot rolls. It was delicious (if I do say so myself.) I forgot to take photos of the table setting or the food, but I did get one of the flowers.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htcIXn7j9_s/V9nv4JIi22I/AAAAAAABFjQ/zAGfWLPAPD0JHaP5wnxx0CUFNyY10JC_ACLcB/s1600/alstro%2Bon%2Bplaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htcIXn7j9_s/V9nv4JIi22I/AAAAAAABFjQ/zAGfWLPAPD0JHaP5wnxx0CUFNyY10JC_ACLcB/s320/alstro%2Bon%2Bplaid.jpg" width="319" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Two of my grandchildren visited on Grandparent's Day, but I doubt they even knew that's what it was. &nbsp;We are always happy to see them, whatever the motivation...LOL &nbsp;They were hoping to find some leftover pie, but it was not to be.&nbsp;</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>One of my grandsons just received an honor. He applied to go on a research trip to Ethiopia &nbsp;for Middle Stone Age research. In the acceptance letter, the professor from The U. of Texas at Austin (Anthropology) said they had a very strong field of applicants, and he should be proud of his acceptance to this highly competitive program. &nbsp;I am sure he is proud, but no more so than his grandparents and the rest of the family. We pray he will have a successful experience and return home safely. &nbsp;Love you, Jordan.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-25244525324637863772016-08-31T09:47:00.004-05:002016-08-31T09:47:54.851-05:00A Free Gift!<div style="text-align: justify;">I belong to a website/app called Nextdoor. It covers my neighborhood and 25 nearby areas. People offer items for sale, ask for referrals, mention lost dogs, etc.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I check it multiple times a day on my phone; and today I noticed an offer of a free pet bed, carrier, harness and leash - also catnip. I sent a message saying I'd like it, and the woman gave me her address. My daughter and I drove there, and the bed and other items were at the foot of her front steps.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was amazed at how clean and nice the things were - they probably cost a pretty penny when new - and she gave them away free! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPKBVMjMI74/V8ObH3JDRrI/AAAAAAABFiE/VObyuioCKxICtTrq1NP4UrN0VWbxjCVKACLcB/s1600/new%2Bbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPKBVMjMI74/V8ObH3JDRrI/AAAAAAABFiE/VObyuioCKxICtTrq1NP4UrN0VWbxjCVKACLcB/s400/new%2Bbed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the bed, and as you can see, Moppet is quite comfortable in it. I sprinkled some cat-nip around the bedding, and she settled right in. I love that it is a neutral dark color.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have been searching for a cat carrier for quite a while, and I haven't been able to find one I thought I'd like and that &nbsp;Moppet would be comfortable riding in. This one is a nice black canvas, with strong zippers and side panels that can be lowered if the cat would prefer not to see out.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7HgqsqWwXE/V8btZcd7mlI/AAAAAAABFiY/PPJ3TxuXid4VwSqmm-MnFro94s4HIwSuwCLcB/s1600/cat%2Bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7HgqsqWwXE/V8btZcd7mlI/AAAAAAABFiY/PPJ3TxuXid4VwSqmm-MnFro94s4HIwSuwCLcB/s200/cat%2Bone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4igtgDpZ_H0/V8bthiUc7UI/AAAAAAABFic/JApk4iOUDtUCq2Yn3MLUCdAQDm3k-bqCgCLcB/s1600/cat%2Btwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4igtgDpZ_H0/V8bthiUc7UI/AAAAAAABFic/JApk4iOUDtUCq2Yn3MLUCdAQDm3k-bqCgCLcB/s200/cat%2Btwo.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I must admit that Moppet has not been in the bed at all, except when this pic was taken; still, I hold out hope that she will decide she can sleep in it. &nbsp;</div><br /></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-69797485202291586602016-08-24T10:48:00.001-05:002016-08-24T10:48:25.910-05:00Murder Mystery Night at the "Spa"<div style="text-align: justify;">My former neighborhood women attended a "spa night" hosted by one of the group in her home. It was a murder mystery, in which all of us participated.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We were all given information sheets; about the evening, our characters and the info we were supposed to impart to others. Some of the info is only supposed to be told if you are asked a direct question. We each wore a bathrobe (over clothing.)</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It was fun and interesting, and of course, we had good food, as usual.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Se18K-Xx8Y/V72_P1LbL1I/AAAAAAABFhU/BiJbE3FEoLwTcyDqhn4UavFj0f6FG-kqACLcB/s1600/group%2Bon%2Bspa%2Bnight%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Se18K-Xx8Y/V72_P1LbL1I/AAAAAAABFhU/BiJbE3FEoLwTcyDqhn4UavFj0f6FG-kqACLcB/s400/group%2Bon%2Bspa%2Bnight%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is the full group.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M13pJ6_bGQ/V72_nUK57AI/AAAAAAABFhY/zBBg86YWlIQH7dQyHXO_Gd-VnH4lQWJegCLcB/s1600/Nancy%2Band%2BSherleen%2Bon%2Bspa%2Bnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M13pJ6_bGQ/V72_nUK57AI/AAAAAAABFhY/zBBg86YWlIQH7dQyHXO_Gd-VnH4lQWJegCLcB/s200/Nancy%2Band%2BSherleen%2Bon%2Bspa%2Bnight.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28Tit3Xb9Oc/V72_4YCOh5I/AAAAAAABFhc/cNEuHRazSXMviePAD-F_FOpvngCct-QBQCLcB/s1600/spa%2Bnight%2Btable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28Tit3Xb9Oc/V72_4YCOh5I/AAAAAAABFhc/cNEuHRazSXMviePAD-F_FOpvngCct-QBQCLcB/s400/spa%2Bnight%2Btable.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The "spa" set up for service.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkWv0Xg1qlU/V73A0x_QomI/AAAAAAABFho/ra1rWHbzOrI04AYmem-uASaqHY9DPegyACLcB/s1600/spa%2Bfood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkWv0Xg1qlU/V73A0x_QomI/AAAAAAABFho/ra1rWHbzOrI04AYmem-uASaqHY9DPegyACLcB/s320/spa%2Bfood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1upTTSeB3BI/V73A5_5-ovI/AAAAAAABFhs/GO1sBGDUu38_zTq3pMSD5eABG265btFkQCLcB/s1600/spa%2Bfood%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1upTTSeB3BI/V73A5_5-ovI/AAAAAAABFhs/GO1sBGDUu38_zTq3pMSD5eABG265btFkQCLcB/s320/spa%2Bfood%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our repast - all excellent!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If your group is looking for something to do - I suggest a mystery evening. <a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=murder+mystery+dinner+party&amp;qs=LS&amp;pq=murder+mystery&amp;sk=LS5&amp;sc=8-14&amp;sp=6&amp;cvid=876C030CBC16447FBBB03385BEDE1502&amp;FORM=QBLH&amp;ghc=1">Find one here&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;and enjoy!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-51604449152187246212016-08-11T19:47:00.000-05:002016-08-11T19:47:25.823-05:00It's Insufferable<div style="text-align: justify;">I refer to the heat, of course. Every day is oppressive; making grocery shopping and errands like booking a one-way ticket to hell. The humidity is terrible also, adding insult to injury. &nbsp;When will it end?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My garage is still a mess. Back in the early spring, it was too cool for me to stand out there and try to sort through all the crap, and I was heard to say that when it got warm enough, I'd do it. &nbsp;Then I broke my collarbone - making nearly everything impossible for a while. Then it got too hot to work in the garage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am waiting for a cool-down so I can get busy out there. My collarbone still isn't healed, but I can do most things without pain - so the doc said "have at it."&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are my friend on Facebook, you already know I am without house cleaners again. I wish I knew why they don't want to work for me. It's depressing. If I were able to do more than a cursory job, I'd do my own. But arthritis, a bad hip and back and the above-mentioned collarbone have made it nearly impossible for me and I have to be able to rely on others. Unfortunately, the "others" have not been reliable for a few years. I will be calling a new business soon, and I am hoping I can find some people who will be a good fit. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Life in the new house is good &nbsp;(when it is clean....LOL) &nbsp;I continue to play Scrabble with a group of women every Tuesday, and I am trying to get back into a routine of working out twice a week, at least. The indoor pool here is always warm enough for me; which is more than I can say for our last health club, and the hot tub is great. The facilities are very clean. They show movies every Sat. at 2pm and an opera (on DVD) every Sunday at 1pm. The lunch group meets every two months and since I am still involved with my old neighborhood women and the book club, life is busy and mostly fulfilling. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My children and grandchildren keep in touch as much as they are able, which is lovely. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What more could I ask? &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><br /><br />kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-52287425699102447672016-07-24T21:52:00.002-05:002016-07-24T21:52:40.887-05:00An Interesting Coincidence on Facebook<div style="text-align: justify;">I belong to a Facebook site called &nbsp;"All of Us West Virginians" &nbsp;(which is self-explanatory.) &nbsp;Tonight I noticed a post by a woman about her husband's grandmother, who lives in the area in which my great-grandparents lived when I was a child. &nbsp;The woman's last name is familiar to me, since my mom used to tell me anecdotes about that family. I don't remember anything but their name, though.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I commented that maybe this lady knew my great grandparents, and told their names. She wrote back that the lady remembers a man by that name who lived "across the river" - and yes - it was my great-grandfather. She also remembered one of his sons, who she named. He was my great uncle.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Isn't it nice to know that someone other than me and those in my family remember some of our ancestors. She also said that her grandmama had the same last name as our family, so she could be related too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think Facebook is great!! &nbsp;</div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-8885132948158578472016-07-19T18:24:00.001-05:002016-07-19T18:24:09.962-05:00We're Having a Heat Wave.....and bits and pieces....<div style="text-align: justify;">Dear Lord, it is hot. Too hot. Every day it is in the mid to high 90's and getting hotter by the weekend. Our utility bills will be untenable.....and August will not be any better.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That giant thistle in my front yard is over 7 feet tall. It was supposed to be removed by the yard service last week, but they didn't do it, and now, all the blooms are maturing. We have so many fuzzy seeds floating around that I fear I will find 100's of thistle plants next year. They are supposed to be good for bees and birds - but <i>I never saw any</i> bees nor birds on or around it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have slacked off on exercising &nbsp;(partly due to the heat,) but I must get my rear in gear, so to speak. &nbsp;My fat pants are rapidly becoming too small. The water aerobics class wants me to participate, but I can't do that in addition to the machines in the gym. I like the gym and using the water afterward to cool down. That has been my way off and on for years. I know the water aerobics is good for you, but not my style.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My first daughter had a birthday this past week, and we went to Pinehurst for dinner with the family. &nbsp;I mis-read a text regarding the time for dinner, and thought it was for 7 pm. At about 4:15, we found out that dinner was set for 5:30 &nbsp;(for 7 people). Have you ever seen two old people rushing as fast as they can to get dressed? &nbsp;It was comical, I am sure. Luckily we had both had showers by then. &nbsp;Younger daughter picked us up and took us there, thank Heaven. &nbsp;It is an hour and 15 minutes away. We were only 30 minutes late. &nbsp;:-( &nbsp;But dinner was excellent! &nbsp;It was at <a href="http://ironwoodpinehurst.com/">the Ironwood Cafe.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;If you ever find yourself in Pinehurst, I recommend you try the Ironwood. The lobster bisque was delicious, as was my catfish and bacon-wrapped asparagus. My daughters had lobster tails and filets and pronounced them wonderful!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After dinner, we went to her home and met the two newest cats in the family; Luna and Sol, both of whom were sweet and pretty kitties. &nbsp;The two dogs, Bojangles and Snoop Doggy have accepted them and they all get along well, I am told.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If Moppet doesn't behave herself, I may throw her into the mix and see what happens.....LOL</div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-17838278573867605202016-06-29T20:52:00.001-05:002016-06-29T20:52:57.054-05:00Long Time No See...<div style="text-align: justify;">WOW.... I haven't posted since June 8th. I haven't gone this long between posts ever - I think.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A lot has been going on; my brother-in-law was here for a week; not long enough for me or Jim. We'd love it if he lived nearby. I cooked like a mad fool and ate like one too. I have yet to get on the scale, but I was able to wear some "fat" pants today, ones that usually fall down without a belt. I didn't need a belt today. Ugh! &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the last three days, my iPhone has not wanted to charge. I tried several different cords and USB plugs, and nothing worked. So today, I went to the Apple Store. It is always a zoo there, and today was no exception. &nbsp;I had to wait nearly an hour, but finally I got to see an "expert" - and expert she was! &nbsp;My phone would not charge with my cords or hers. The diagnosis meant a new phone coming my way - luckily mine is under warranty. But, that also meant I'd lose all the photos I had not uploaded to my computer, which was about 650 pics. So, she suggested that I email them to myself. It took forever! &nbsp;Ten pics at a time. Now I have to get a thumb drive and transfer the pics to that. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The new phone is nice; a bit different from the first six plus I had. &nbsp;But with this one, I can get in with my fingerprint, so I don't have to type the code all the time. That's nice.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have joined the Scrabble Club here in the new neighborhood. We meet at the club house every Tuesday afternoon and play 2-3 games. I've met some nice women so far. I had to miss this week, since Jim and I and BIL were getting foot massages and pedicures and they ran long. We didn't complain &nbsp;(it is heavenly.) Brother-in-law and I got to use the pool one day and he went another time with Jim. I really need to make time to do it three times a week, along with the gym.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two weeks ago the fan for the air-conditioning in my car decided it only wanted to work on high. At least it is cool, but the high setting of the fan means my hair is blown about as if I were in a convertible. I really must find the time to get it fixed. &nbsp;But there is a more pressing issue - I went out to the car one morning last week and found a long crack in the windshield. I assume the hail during the storm that night was the culprit, but I don't know for sure. &nbsp;AAA is coming tomorrow to replace it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My cleaning ladies didn't show up last Friday when they were supposed to, so I fired them. A possible replacement, who was recommended by someone in this neighborhood is coming to do a walk-through tomorrow. She has good references, so I hope it works out &nbsp;(and that she doesn't charge much more than the last group.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wish me luck!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-56388679945920703162016-06-08T22:13:00.000-05:002016-06-08T22:13:00.390-05:00M iss Moppet is a Pain, Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmvkWMf-rPw/V1jef_OAByI/AAAAAAABFeY/y_5yTlZJetAFzu-hWi_McaRAkclcMcgVgCLcB/s1600/cat%2Bon%2Bblinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DmvkWMf-rPw/V1jef_OAByI/AAAAAAABFeY/y_5yTlZJetAFzu-hWi_McaRAkclcMcgVgCLcB/s320/cat%2Bon%2Bblinds.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Note: this photo is not Moppet and not my house. &nbsp;This morning I was awoken by a sound I could not interpret. I looked around the room and saw Moppet hanging from a cloth blind in my bedroom. &nbsp;That is a definite no-no, of course. So I yelled at her to get down, and she did. But not 30 seconds later, she jumped up on another blind &nbsp;(there are three, ) and I got up to get her off the blind, lest she rip it with her claws. &nbsp;I suppose it is a good thing she only weighs 7 pounds; otherwise, she'd have ripped them to shreds. &nbsp;The birds play every morning in the tree and shrubs outside my windows, and for Moppet, this is better than TV.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It makes me wonder how many other times she has done that and I wasn't aware of it. &nbsp;I inspected the blinds and they look okay - but I don't hold out much hope for them in the future if I can't get her to understand not to do it. I can't put her in another room at night, because her litter pan is in my bathroom, and the only other place in the house I could put it is the kitchen - which is unacceptable.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today I wondered if I might have to kennel her at night. I will have to buy one and will, if I need to. She has had complete freedom since she came to live with us at age 8 weeks, so I don't know how she would deal with being caged. But I wonder if that might be the way to handle it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What do you think?&nbsp;</div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-20433616158615407962016-06-02T19:36:00.003-05:002016-06-02T19:36:07.942-05:00Miss Moppet is a Pain. Literally. <div style="text-align: justify;">I don't know what we're going to do with this cat! She has become a pain to deal with &nbsp;Last night I was sitting in my chair; she jumped up on my lap, bit the crap out of my arm and sped off as if I were going to chase her. She brought blood.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">At 2:30 am, she jumped on my bed, bit my wrist and sped away as she had before. My arm looks like I was chasing bunnies through a blackberry patch!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My vet suggested that I pop her on the nose when she bites me, and I do. The result of that is that she bites me even harder. Believe me, a pop on the nose is no deterrent to her! She draws back and attacks even harder.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Every time my husband gets up to walk into another room, she manages to get between his feet (no matter how far away she is when he gets up) and seemingly attempts to trip him. He walks with &nbsp;cane and his balance is lacking. If she is not between his feet, she is lying across the area where he needs to walk, and he cannot move in that direction. We are afraid that he will fall and break a hip.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To combat this, the vet said to give her a poke with the cane; a more than gentle poke, so that she understands she must move. Jim can't do that without losing his balance, so I must get up and come to his rescue. Needless to say - I am getting tired of it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She has nearly shredded parts of my leather recliner, and I blame myself for that. I should have taught her as a young kitten not to do that. I tried, but she seemed not to be getting the idea - even when I sprayed her with one of the three mist bottles I kept nearby.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We love her, but we find ourselves losing patience with her and with each other because of her. Whenever we have company, Jim insists that I put her in the bedroom for the duration, even if the person(s) say they love cats. She seems to be able to choose the very one who does not like her, and proceed to walk all other them and the furniture they are seated on. She is lovable and sweet most of the time, but a devil all too often. &nbsp;We thought that when she got to be one year old, she would calm down, but she has not. &nbsp;I don't know what to do.</div><br /><br />kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-11619915088838333812016-05-28T19:24:00.001-05:002016-05-28T19:24:17.076-05:00Another Busy Week + a book recommendation<div style="text-align: justify;">Three lunches out, plus Thirsty Thursday, which didn't get interrupted by storms this week - just 90* temps. &nbsp;Two more people showed up, for a total of 10. We are meeting our neighbors two by two. I made cucumber/cream cheese/lemon sandwiches for thirsty Thursday; no one was hungry (saying they had just eaten dinner). That didn't stop Jim, and he devoured the whole platter. Only one other man ate one. Maybe for the next one, I'll be a bit less ambitious.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today we decided to go see the Saturday movie at our clubhouse. I was late getting ready, and when we arrived, the movie had already started. We got off the elevator and saw 250 people staring at us....LOL. &nbsp;There were no chairs; I had to borrow one from the pottery studio and Jim sat on his walker. &nbsp;He couldn't see the screen and I couldn't hear the dialog - so it was a wash out for us. We have decided that the next time we want to see the movie (one is shown every Saturday) we will go at 1pm! And hopefully, I will not forget my hearing aids (again.) The movie was good; Blythe Danner, Mary Kay Place, Sam Elliott and a few others. The title was "I'll See You in My Dreams"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the movie, we decided to eat an early dinner at the restaurant our granddaughter is working in this summer., called<a href="http://thehickorytavern.com/home/hickory_tavern-home.php"> Hickory Tavern</a>. We have been there three times so far, and the food is pretty good. She had just finished her shift, so she sat with us and had a salad. It is good to have grandchildren nearby!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had to choose and read quickly a new book for the book club, since the club meeting was cancelled this week, and won'r be held again until July. I ordered <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Man-Called-Ove-Novel-ebook/dp/B00GEEB730">"A Man Called Ove"</a>&nbsp;and I have read over half of it. It will make you laugh and cry, often at the same time. There are some very interesting phrases, and I was reminded of both my father and my husband in the character of Ove, the curmudgeon. I think most people will like this book.&nbsp;</div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-13322192792183186002016-05-14T19:01:00.002-05:002016-05-14T19:01:50.624-05:00Busy, Busy Weekand no let up in sight! &nbsp;(which makes me happy)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Thirsty Thursdays (mentioned in my last post) had to be shortened due to intense storms arising. But it was nice while it lasted (an hour) and we met 4-5 people who we had not met before. There is a very nice group here and we are pleased to get to know some of them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Friday night we invited our across-the-street neighbors over for dessert and coffee - a pay-back for their entertaining us in Feb. They were due to come here in March, but then I fell and broke my collarbone and it had to be postponed. It was nice to renew our acquaintance and I think they enjoyed it too.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Today I did something that I have wanted to do for<u> ten long </u><b><u>years.</u> </b></i>&nbsp;In 2006, I started reading a blog written by a woman who lived in Raleigh at the time, but she was from my home town (Charleston, WV). Seven years ago, she and her family moved back there - and although I visit Charleston from time to time - I despaired of ever meeting&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jennifer.</b>&nbsp;I had to make do with being Facebook friends. &nbsp;Today, I did meet her!! &nbsp;She is in Raleigh this weekend, visiting friends, and I made the cut! &nbsp; LOL &nbsp;We met at a gelato/coffee shop and had one of each. It was way too short (only one hour) but we both had dinner plans, and had to part. She is every bit as nice and sweet as I always imagined she would be; as well as very accomplished - even though we didn't talk about her work today - and I would love to know more about it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dinner tonight was at a restaurant nearby where one of my grandchildren is a waitperson. We couldn't sit at her table, but we had a nice dinner and she came to see us as often as her tables allowed. &nbsp;I had blackened tilapia and it was very tasty.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think that tomorrow (when we have nothing planned) I may sit in my chair and read all day long! &nbsp;I need a rest after last week, and I need to finish the book for our book club, which meets here in ten days. &nbsp;200 more pages will do it. &nbsp;</div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-20622787031493290312016-05-09T20:20:00.000-05:002016-05-09T20:20:47.738-05:00If we don't quit eating out.....I will weigh 500 pounds by June. &nbsp;This is the remains of shrimp and rice with queso and a Mexican dessert - on Mother's Day. Below is my youngest granddaughter. None of them ever wants me to take a photo - or to post one. I think she's beautiful!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q67zHe26aPw/VzEzrkhk1MI/AAAAAAABFcg/GQ3Rx0-wjMUXB53RRrgePLBvONDuU8-vwCKgB/s1600/Judy%2Band%2BMexican%2Bfood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q67zHe26aPw/VzEzrkhk1MI/AAAAAAABFcg/GQ3Rx0-wjMUXB53RRrgePLBvONDuU8-vwCKgB/s320/Judy%2Band%2BMexican%2Bfood.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OEc0PTkF4Y/VzE2pI2NCPI/AAAAAAABFdE/LLjgXZk3R_AWCWsCP-iMhipd6zpp9ZtvgCLcB/s1600/Jules.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4OEc0PTkF4Y/VzE2pI2NCPI/AAAAAAABFdE/LLjgXZk3R_AWCWsCP-iMhipd6zpp9ZtvgCLcB/s320/Jules.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br />Today we ate at The Weathervane in Chapel Hill with a new friend. Jim had quiche and I had an egg salad sandwich.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDAbiFfn7xQ/VzE12vTOaNI/AAAAAAABFcs/MfsDwXana9oVDgD9PHiP2TSMUkWUI0CTACLcB/s1600/egg%2Bsalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FDAbiFfn7xQ/VzE12vTOaNI/AAAAAAABFcs/MfsDwXana9oVDgD9PHiP2TSMUkWUI0CTACLcB/s320/egg%2Bsalad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epsXWGUvm7I/VzE1n6Bq15I/AAAAAAABFco/LR0i_bAgA7sO3LieCbpyfKUNeDuw0KNKQCLcB/s1600/quiche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epsXWGUvm7I/VzE1n6Bq15I/AAAAAAABFco/LR0i_bAgA7sO3LieCbpyfKUNeDuw0KNKQCLcB/s320/quiche.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The restaurant has a terrace and we enjoyed eating outside in 75*, surrounded by flowers and foliages...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeixOzStato/VzE2Z4n6coI/AAAAAAABFc8/z0zlIiVuMRQuqebCVaH8WFGaAT-CfDfqQCLcB/s1600/roses%2Band%2Bfatsia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeixOzStato/VzE2Z4n6coI/AAAAAAABFc8/z0zlIiVuMRQuqebCVaH8WFGaAT-CfDfqQCLcB/s320/roses%2Band%2Bfatsia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tc0aJuEJt_4/VzE2_A6QGaI/AAAAAAABFdM/IoBZ-gRy19AI1pGr8krHy1E6OQk4lfgAQCLcB/s1600/Jim%2Bat%2Bthe%2BWeathervane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tc0aJuEJt_4/VzE2_A6QGaI/AAAAAAABFdM/IoBZ-gRy19AI1pGr8krHy1E6OQk4lfgAQCLcB/s320/Jim%2Bat%2Bthe%2BWeathervane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcyJHmU16IU/VzE2CjpAxOI/AAAAAAABFcw/SN5BlHshIG0t1Aylyy5k3xp-1Hw4v1MzwCLcB/s1600/clematis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcyJHmU16IU/VzE2CjpAxOI/AAAAAAABFcw/SN5BlHshIG0t1Aylyy5k3xp-1Hw4v1MzwCLcB/s320/clematis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jD788uKp1XU/VzE2MV4N4MI/AAAAAAABFc4/xBGze9gJRLIIJBWp29hIhqfA8pBIT6mzACLcB/s1600/clematis%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jD788uKp1XU/VzE2MV4N4MI/AAAAAAABFc4/xBGze9gJRLIIJBWp29hIhqfA8pBIT6mzACLcB/s320/clematis%2B2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />Tomorrow I am meeting the women from my old neighborhood at a kitchen store here in Cary, near our home. We will also eat out.<br /><br />Wednesday finds us entertaining an old friend who has just celebrated her 91st birthday.<br /><br />Thursday is the first of this season's "Thirsty Thursdays". It takes place on the cul-de-sac outside our home, and those who attend live on our street or the one we "T-bone". We will take chairs, drinks and munchies into the street and meet the neighbors. <br /><br />Friday evening, we are entertaining the people across the street from us, with desserts and coffee. <br /><br />We can't keep this up!!! &nbsp;But there is no relief in sight, as our social life has ramped up considerably lately. &nbsp;I am not sure if I am bragging or complaining.....LOL<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-38523442343044807282016-04-19T09:11:00.000-05:002016-04-19T09:11:14.748-05:00The Doctor(s)<div style="text-align: justify;">I saw the "shoulder" doctor yesterday and got a bit of good news. I can retire that <a href="http://www.braceshop.com/procare-quick-release-arm-sling.htm?utm_source=BingShopping&amp;utm_medium=shopping&amp;utm_campaign=ProCare%20Braces&amp;origin=bpa&amp;unique_id=34400&amp;gdftrk=gdfV28018_a_7c2568_a_7c11941_a_7c34400">damnable sling forever.</a> I can drive short distances, if I am careful. I can do anything that doesn't make my shoulder hurt, including physical therapy for my hip &nbsp;(which I have been doing, but modified since I broke my clavicle.) There is a bump on top of my shoulder, and when I asked what it is, the doc said it is part of your clavicle. &nbsp;I guess it was out of place after the fracture and the only way to get it back is surgery, for which I will not opt. It isn't too prominent and it doesn't hurt &nbsp;(mostly.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The hip doctor appointment is on Friday; and I hope she will tell me I can stop physical therapy soon. It has helped my sciatica some, but it still hurts nearly everyday. I will still be going to the health club and using the pool, so I won't stop exercising even if I stop therapy. &nbsp;I am hoping she can give me a shot to help the pain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are going out to dinner with six friends soon; Italian night at their club. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again. Two of them are picking us up, since we didn't know if I could drive by now or not. &nbsp;It is good to be chauffeured! &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What's new with you?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-51671743049306900742016-04-14T19:44:00.000-05:002016-04-14T19:44:42.863-05:00My New Neighborhood<div style="text-align: justify;">is a Del Webb Community for people 55 and over. I never thought I'd be living in such a place and didn't expect to like it, but I do. &nbsp;My daughter has been prompting me to join some groups or clubs - of which there are 200+ - but I wanted to wait until we got settled before I started anything new.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today I joined two groups; one for women named Judy, and there are 40 of us. In &nbsp;elementary school, I always had 2-3 Judy's in every class, but as I got older, the number of women I knew named Judy got lower. &nbsp;In our old neighborhood, there were three, but there were 72 households there, and over 1200 here.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I got an email from a woman named Judy, inviting me to join their club, so I did. She said they had already gotten together several times and the next time, they will go out to lunch. I look forward to that, although it is hard to get to know that many people at once. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also joined the Scrabble Club. I have been playing Scrabble since the game came out and I never tire of it. I also play it on-line, along with Words with Friends, Lexulous and Wordscraper. &nbsp;I don't know when I will get to play with this group, as apparently they are not active at the moment, but I look forward to it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will miss the next luncheon meeting of the women who live on my street, as we will be at the beach. It's too bad, since it will be another month before they meet again. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If I am not careful, I won't have any free time. I am still active in my old neighborhood group - for which I am very thankful - and grateful to be healthy enough to do it all.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I drove for the first time today, since breaking my clavicle. It hurt a bit when I forgot and used my left hand on the wheel, so I made sure I drove with my right hand only. I had to take off the sling, of course. I see the doc next Monday, and I am hoping to get good news!</div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-32287293232593375912016-04-08T07:54:00.001-05:002016-04-08T07:54:30.059-05:00Art in Bloom, North Carolina Museum of Art 2016, Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWKqILdyxTw/VwemG8xNVTI/AAAAAAABFaM/MEeQsmUCTl0V3yUS_XtImquLYO0JiNkkw/s1600/Cydney%2527s%2BIsis%2Binterpretation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWKqILdyxTw/VwemG8xNVTI/AAAAAAABFaM/MEeQsmUCTl0V3yUS_XtImquLYO0JiNkkw/s320/Cydney%2527s%2BIsis%2Binterpretation.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Cydney Davis-English's interpretation of a statue of The Egyptian Goddess Isis<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1jIDbLXwQY/Vwemg9C2V3I/AAAAAAABFaQ/3Qejb7asuCc4B9rt4c2tXe6GXs5OQGCuw/s1600/NCMA%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1jIDbLXwQY/Vwemg9C2V3I/AAAAAAABFaQ/3Qejb7asuCc4B9rt4c2tXe6GXs5OQGCuw/s320/NCMA%2Ba.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>I don't remember the florist who did this, but it is a study in basing and pave.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eR6Pmy9BQp4/Vwen-tby9eI/AAAAAAABFag/JTUVfv8-d70zLmwxbP5f0c9hSWBeemosQ/s1600/NCMA%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eR6Pmy9BQp4/Vwen-tby9eI/AAAAAAABFag/JTUVfv8-d70zLmwxbP5f0c9hSWBeemosQ/s320/NCMA%2Bc.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Another view of the one above.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wfJR-hpWaI/VweoBGKUAnI/AAAAAAABFak/9-NTyUCFvkQYiyxfzfvw8sYV4tsirb9cA/s1600/NCMA%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_wfJR-hpWaI/VweoBGKUAnI/AAAAAAABFak/9-NTyUCFvkQYiyxfzfvw8sYV4tsirb9cA/s320/NCMA%2Bd.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">An interpretation of a sculpture&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ljcfs4KFbc/VweoDt5jMII/AAAAAAABFao/joglXtOlz2gr_pXFsms4qh3K2ZWrUi83w/s1600/NCMA%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ljcfs4KFbc/VweoDt5jMII/AAAAAAABFao/joglXtOlz2gr_pXFsms4qh3K2ZWrUi83w/s320/NCMA%2Be.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; An interpretation of a collar in the Jewish art section<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OyVxRfBrRs/VweoFs0m-iI/AAAAAAABFas/kBU_Qy4gns0EiKA8IMSoU16_QDFH93S0g/s1600/NCMA%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OyVxRfBrRs/VweoFs0m-iI/AAAAAAABFas/kBU_Qy4gns0EiKA8IMSoU16_QDFH93S0g/s320/NCMA%2Bf.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Solid sunshine!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQyzRnd4wdk/VweoH4t-jDI/AAAAAAABFaw/bbfpJOD1zfQlyydrAkZW4_-4h9bvo0IAg/s1600/NCMA%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQyzRnd4wdk/VweoH4t-jDI/AAAAAAABFaw/bbfpJOD1zfQlyydrAkZW4_-4h9bvo0IAg/s320/NCMA%2Bg.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>&nbsp;An interpretation of a mosaic; I object to the bare use of metal pincushion flower holders. They should have been covered.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3lbTSvVr-A/VweoKU8bEOI/AAAAAAABFa0/cAwZmhZSJx0RjD8KL_j3h6KIWSoYPG62w/s1600/NCMA%2Bh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y3lbTSvVr-A/VweoKU8bEOI/AAAAAAABFa0/cAwZmhZSJx0RjD8KL_j3h6KIWSoYPG62w/s320/NCMA%2Bh.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I loved this one and wish I had gotten a better photo.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOOOih0ex_M/VweoMDIcAFI/AAAAAAABFa4/amTUl84nfkkdtNFHNTr6CfH7KGrWJavvg/s1600/NCMA%2Bi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iOOOih0ex_M/VweoMDIcAFI/AAAAAAABFa4/amTUl84nfkkdtNFHNTr6CfH7KGrWJavvg/s320/NCMA%2Bi.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Just my style!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bZ9NXeX2dM/VweoOiIO1pI/AAAAAAABFa8/i3TrXdxUbhkAYtQDEEJyFG7ROVwFgDW0g/s1600/NCMA%2Bj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bZ9NXeX2dM/VweoOiIO1pI/AAAAAAABFa8/i3TrXdxUbhkAYtQDEEJyFG7ROVwFgDW0g/s320/NCMA%2Bj.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Not a good picture. Painting in flowers....<br /><br />Thus ends my photos of the exhibit. If you are local, I urge you to go before the end, on Sunday.kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-66483710341172846082016-04-07T18:11:00.003-05:002016-04-07T18:11:49.427-05:00Art in Bloom; North Carolina Museum of Art April 2016, Part One<div style="text-align: justify;">I went with a group from my old neighborhood today, to tour the NCMA's Art in Bloom. &nbsp;Various art works are chosen to be represented in flowers, and floral designers come in to do the work. I am not sure how they choose which art works or how the people are chosen. &nbsp;When I was volunteering with the museum, I tried, without success, to get them to consider doing this program, since other museums across the country were doing it and having great feed back and makeing lots of money. However, the conservationists were too worried about having bugs introduced to the museum through untreated flowers and supplies, so they would never agree to it. It made me sad. &nbsp;But I am happy that they have seen the light, so to speak, and allow it now. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I took many photos, and I assumed it would be easy to remember who did what. Boy, was I ever wrong about that. I do remember a few things that were done by people with whom I am acquainted. So I will post the photos for you and mention the floral designer where I can. I apologize for not being more specific with all of them. &nbsp;Our group: &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DMxY3q2vx4/VwbiJ33sZnI/AAAAAAABFYY/J_IaxMy1KR0Y0aqdtW5KbJs85fggWzn0A/s1600/Art%2Bin%2BBloom%2B%2B4-7-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DMxY3q2vx4/VwbiJ33sZnI/AAAAAAABFYY/J_IaxMy1KR0Y0aqdtW5KbJs85fggWzn0A/s320/Art%2Bin%2BBloom%2B%2B4-7-16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A rendition of a Madonna</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xB6W3YlkxpA/VwbiejCdtpI/AAAAAAABFYc/xXjj3ETKBHgW3bVHEjJ6OL-wk9PqsRvow/s1600/A%2Brendition%2Bof%2Ba%2Bmadonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xB6W3YlkxpA/VwbiejCdtpI/AAAAAAABFYc/xXjj3ETKBHgW3bVHEjJ6OL-wk9PqsRvow/s320/A%2Brendition%2Bof%2Ba%2Bmadonna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red flowers and branches. The painting it represented was all gray, so we couldn't figure out why red was used.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKaNoF9H-vE/VwbivERwqcI/AAAAAAABFYg/w89EVNTutp05qH8Zd-4dc5F8aS5jt3DiQ/s1600/all%2Bred%2Band%2Bbranches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gKaNoF9H-vE/VwbivERwqcI/AAAAAAABFYg/w89EVNTutp05qH8Zd-4dc5F8aS5jt3DiQ/s320/all%2Bred%2Band%2Bbranches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An all succulent arrangement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezOS8AnHO_Q/VwbjBJY0aAI/AAAAAAABFYo/7QMRaDBJ-UU7pGDnQDcJvGJoN3VUI2-cg/s1600/all%2Bsucculents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ezOS8AnHO_Q/VwbjBJY0aAI/AAAAAAABFYo/7QMRaDBJ-UU7pGDnQDcJvGJoN3VUI2-cg/s320/all%2Bsucculents.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A cactus in the skull eye socket, part of a tableau that was an interpretation of a painting by a western painter whose name I can't remember now.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iemaKakAlzA/VwbjQpWLh1I/AAAAAAABFYw/yW9w86g6_0wRlXBQW4LaaBnTxjOLBzvFA/s1600/cactus%2Bin%2Bthe%2Beye%2Bsocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iemaKakAlzA/VwbjQpWLh1I/AAAAAAABFYw/yW9w86g6_0wRlXBQW4LaaBnTxjOLBzvFA/s320/cactus%2Bin%2Bthe%2Beye%2Bsocket.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By Doug Odom, an interpretation of a Frank Stella abstract. We thought using a tire was ingenious!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MxQ6SOy4keM/Vwbj4RwmhJI/AAAAAAABFY8/gvufT2pVnWAVSxdnT90ZiCNYZbOuZyEmw/s1600/DOUG%2BODOM%2B%2B2%2B%2BNCMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MxQ6SOy4keM/Vwbj4RwmhJI/AAAAAAABFY8/gvufT2pVnWAVSxdnT90ZiCNYZbOuZyEmw/s320/DOUG%2BODOM%2B%2B2%2B%2BNCMA.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another by Doug Odom, all greenery and succulents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LdPbobqYuQ/VwbkOOdEzdI/AAAAAAABFZA/TASYiwE_1B4NyR8Bm6CRVIXZo3HD_stew/s1600/Doug%2BOdom%2B%2Bgreen%2Band%2Bblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LdPbobqYuQ/VwbkOOdEzdI/AAAAAAABFZA/TASYiwE_1B4NyR8Bm6CRVIXZo3HD_stew/s320/Doug%2BOdom%2B%2Bgreen%2Band%2Bblue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A construction by Cydney Davis-English of The English Garden, honoring the portrait section of the museum of art.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XfwLfPd-lE/Vwbk0vL-RFI/AAAAAAABFZM/f2ZOIKieftY7nK587G7itnzho8OEtTmCg/s1600/Cydney%2527s%2Bconstruct%2B%2BNCMA%2B%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XfwLfPd-lE/Vwbk0vL-RFI/AAAAAAABFZM/f2ZOIKieftY7nK587G7itnzho8OEtTmCg/s320/Cydney%2527s%2Bconstruct%2B%2BNCMA%2B%2B2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A beautiful spring arrangement, part of a construction by Cydney Davis-English of The English Garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEvTxWbOxjs/Vwbkfgk7osI/AAAAAAABFZE/TqloSFoXZgU0lqJnpe7bgSx2hYrCJ6RgA/s1600/English%2BGarden%2B%2BNCMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEvTxWbOxjs/Vwbkfgk7osI/AAAAAAABFZE/TqloSFoXZgU0lqJnpe7bgSx2hYrCJ6RgA/s320/English%2BGarden%2B%2BNCMA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A beautiful arrangement by Ginger and Renee of The Flower Cupboard in Cary, NC</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNA8U8Ll0V4/VwblX8VQR2I/AAAAAAABFZU/96V1znOfrhgk-Lw-_eBPbRm5VoMU3DiXw/s1600/Ginger%2Band%2BRenee%2527s%2Bpiece%2Bat%2BNCMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNA8U8Ll0V4/VwblX8VQR2I/AAAAAAABFZU/96V1znOfrhgk-Lw-_eBPbRm5VoMU3DiXw/s320/Ginger%2Band%2BRenee%2527s%2Bpiece%2Bat%2BNCMA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A gold box with pave flowers around the base. This was the back side.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TQqX4-cKrU/Vwblo4qvb6I/AAAAAAABFZY/83j4HU35OyEbBmEGLIcUiJTKaANQW1gdg/s1600/gold%2Bbox%2B%2BNCMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TQqX4-cKrU/Vwblo4qvb6I/AAAAAAABFZY/83j4HU35OyEbBmEGLIcUiJTKaANQW1gdg/s320/gold%2Bbox%2B%2BNCMA.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me, standing beside a video showing me, part of the construct by Cydney Davis-English. Cydney interviewed me, along with others, about the flower business. Unfortunately &nbsp;(or perhaps fortunately) no one could hear any of it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFjjhQpVv30/VwbmDP9c4_I/AAAAAAABFZg/UdO6L2Q1NCcTJxiMFONNy6j1-P9y0OGRg/s1600/Me%2Bat%2BNCMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFjjhQpVv30/VwbmDP9c4_I/AAAAAAABFZg/UdO6L2Q1NCcTJxiMFONNy6j1-P9y0OGRg/s320/Me%2Bat%2BNCMA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An interpretation of one of the most loved paintings at our museum, shown next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rxyqk6sgsM/VwbmzyrYCkI/AAAAAAABFZs/Xt-XvwDssd8ZFPVaAL95XMN1D35xekPcg/s1600/Nancy%2527s%2Bfavorite%2Bart%2Binterpretation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rxyqk6sgsM/VwbmzyrYCkI/AAAAAAABFZs/Xt-XvwDssd8ZFPVaAL95XMN1D35xekPcg/s320/Nancy%2527s%2Bfavorite%2Bart%2Binterpretation.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I apologize for lopping it off in the middle, but there were so many people around, it was hard to get a clear shot of anything. This is "The Garden Parasol" by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Carl_Frieseke">Frederick Carl Frieseke</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeQoy_-_J9s/VwbnHopcKkI/AAAAAAABFZw/9Nv4pEOTl9YGRRGgsxSUsOE-UBcN2r_7g/s1600/Nancy%2527s%2Bfavorite%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeQoy_-_J9s/VwbnHopcKkI/AAAAAAABFZw/9Nv4pEOTl9YGRRGgsxSUsOE-UBcN2r_7g/s320/Nancy%2527s%2Bfavorite%2Bart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this was was depicting a sculpture, but I can't be sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--V_xkcRWmxg/VwbnhiOnPEI/AAAAAAABFZ4/KJeYV7nxYR48C_0C37YMBO7htWzcESgRw/s1600/NCMA%2B%2B%2B23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--V_xkcRWmxg/VwbnhiOnPEI/AAAAAAABFZ4/KJeYV7nxYR48C_0C37YMBO7htWzcESgRw/s320/NCMA%2B%2B%2B23.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish that I could have gotten a good photo of every piece and the art it represented, but due to the crowds, it was not possible. I will try to get another post up soon, showing the remainder.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10194064.post-67405293327605142552016-03-30T08:50:00.001-05:002016-03-30T08:50:21.616-05:00Odds and Ends<div style="text-align: justify;">It is always nice, but something of a shock to get a comment on a blog post written a long time ago. Yesterday,<a href="http://imagineomit.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-new-favorite-movie-actress.html"> I got a comment on this one</a>, on my other blog<a href="http://imagineomit.blogspot.com/"> &nbsp;"Imagine"</a>. After 8 years - it is amazing. I suppose the woman who commented had "googled" Strega and found my post. A long time ago I wrote about memory loss, which I referred to as "early onset Alzheimers/dementia" . &nbsp;I continue to get comments on that one, although I can't find it now.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We have not seen Strega or her people since that was written, but this affords us a good reason to contact them, which we will do soon.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wish that phone companies would put a metal ring on cell phones so that we could attach a chain or band to use as a necklace. &nbsp;Jim lost his phone yesterday for a while. Luckily it had dropped out of his pocket in our daughter's car - &nbsp;not in the street - and so we got it back. If we could hang it around his neck, it would be so much better!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Physical therapy continues for both of us, although I think we may be coming to the end &nbsp;(where Medicare ceases to pay.) Too bad one of us will probably not continue after the payment runs out. I will be going to the pool and hot tub as soon as I can get a bathing suit on and off with one hand/arm. &nbsp;It ain't easy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope all of you had a Happy Easter, filled with family, friends and good food! &nbsp;We did; although some of the family couldn't come. We also got together on Monday night to celebrate my grandson's 22nd birthday, at the restaurant of his choice, a sushi place in Apex. It was packed!! &nbsp;I didn't like the food all that well, but it appeared that many people did, since they were so busy. &nbsp;Restaurants around here do a booming business and always have. My mother-in-law used to say "Don't tell me there's a poor economy! &nbsp;The restaurants around here are always full of people!" &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>kenjuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07342414519714356343noreply@blogger.com4